BOTOX® Cosmetic

In San Mateo, women and men receive BOTOX injections exclusively from physicians at Allura Skin & Laser Center. We've built a reputation as one of the Bay Area's leading providers of BOTOX, serving patients from Burlingame to Palo Alto for more than 15 years.

Our dedication to excellent skin care and rejuvenation is the foundation of our practice. If you're considering BOTOX treatments or other aesthetic treatments, request an appointment online or call our office at (650) 344-1121 to schedule an appointment.

Improvements From BOTOX Treatments

We use BOTOX treatments to temporarily smooth out fine lines and creases that are caused by repeated contractions of facial muscles. The goal is to provide a more youthful, relaxed, natural appearance by softening:

Wrinkles at the outer corner of the eyes, often called crow's feet, caused by squinting and smiling

Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called frown lines or the 11's, caused by scowling and concentrating

Horizontal forehead lines that result from lifting the eyebrows

Lines around the mouth, often called lip lines or smoker's lines, caused by pursing the lips and drawing on a straw or cigarette

How BOTOX Works

BOTOX is in a class of treatments, along with Dysport®, called neuromodulators. These treatments work by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscles, causing the muscles to relax. Once the facial muscles stop contracting, the associated wrinkles gradually smooth away. This effect begins within 5 to 7 days of treatment and typically lasts for up to 4 months.

Other Uses

In addition to effective wrinkle correction, BOTOX treatments can provide a variety of cosmetic benefits, including:

Lifting sagging eyebrows

Reducing the appearance of vertical neck bands and horizontal lines on the neck

Preventing dynamic wrinkles in younger people

Helping improvements from dermal filler treatments last longer

If you're looking for other benefits, such as maintaining your skin's healthy glow and texture, you may want to consider our Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment.

BOTOX Treatments

BOTOX treatments are simple, quick injections that cause minimal discomfort and require little to no downtime. We offer numbing cream and ice if desired, though most patients do not find it necessary. It is best to avoid aspirin and non-steroidal medications for at least a week before if possible to minimize the risk of bruising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose BOTOX or Dysport?

While BOTOX and Dysport are FDA-approved products used for similar purposes, there are differences between them, including:

Results from Dysport often appear earlier than BOTOX.

Dysport tends to spread farther from the injection site than BOTOX, which may work well for larger areas such as the forehead.

More BOTOX may be required to provide similar Dysport results, which means that Dysport treatments may cost less than BOTOX treatments.

As experienced cosmetic treatment providers, we are qualified and experienced in using both products. We will help you understand if either product is better suited to your unique needs and aesthetic goals.

What's the difference between BOTOX and dermal fillers?

BOTOX and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments that can help you look younger and rejuvenated. These treatments differ in the way they work and the improvements they provide. BOTOX treatments provide results indirectly, by temporarily stopping muscle contractions. Fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® provide instant results. They are used to physically fill in wrinkles, folds, and other areas from within the skin. Filler treatments can soften smile lines (nasolabial folds) and plump up thinning lips. In general, wrinkles that do not respond to BOTOX may be corrected with dermal fillers.

Will I lose facial expression?

Our goal is to give you a natural look, and to do this we must ensure that you have expression. It is the primary reason to rely on our expertise and experience.

Do BOTOX treatments hurt?

We use a fine needle for injections, and most patients feel minimal stinging. This can be reduced with the use of ice or a numbing cream, but most patients do not find this necessary.

How much do BOTOX treatments cost?

Cost will vary by the amount of BOTOX used. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine the optimal placement and amount needed for the desired effect. This is where our expertise and experience come in.

How often should I return to maintain my BOTOX results?

The duration of BOTOX results varies between individuals and treatment areas. In general, if you've never had a treatment with BOTOX or other neuromodulator, we recommend returning about every 4 months for maintenance treatments. After 3 or 4 treatments, many people find that their results last longer and they can space out their treatments more.

Is BOTOX safe?

Yes. When used properly for cosmetic indications, side effects are uncommon and are limited to the area treated. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Less serious side effects include bruising, asymmetric effect, and eyelid droop (uncommon). These side effects are temporary.

Who should not use BOTOX?

Do not use BOTOX if you:

Are allergic to the ingredients in BOTOX

Have had an allergic reaction to Dysport® or Myobloc

Have a skin infection at the planned injection site

Have a disease affecting your muscles and nerves (such as ALS or myasthenia gravis)